In recent years circumcision has become a hugely debated topic. It’s no wonder because there are so many pros and cons regarding circumcision, and even health organizations and doctors debate the merits of circumcision. The latest surrounding the procedure is that new research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and based on data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) shows that fewer parents are making this controversial cut. The research shows that over the last 32 years, the national rate of newborn circumcision has declined 10%, from 64.5% to 58.3%. Still, trends show parents are semi-undecided because rates have widely fluctuated during the previous three decades, with declines in the 1980s, increases in the 1990s, and then declines again in the 2000s. The trends correlate with changing guidance on routine newborn circumcision from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) and other organizations. Regional trends show that circumcision rates have remained stable in the Northeast, while the Midwest had some major fluctuation related to national trends. The West coast featured the most marked declines with circumcision rates that have generally continued to decrease through 2010, with a low of 31.4% in 2003. To see how your area stacks up when it comes to circumcision, check out the regional tables offered in this in-depth CDC report.